Training in Medical Journalism
Your achievements over the years have been adorable, dear SAJ. Should’nt there be a SAJ School of Journalism starting from Zoom Roundtable Discussion with an invited group leading to a library cafe and class room activity based on Diversity and Inclusion. Just a thought a thought to share with you. Best wishes
Prof. H. R. Ahmed
Rochester MN, USA.
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I have already started training courses at UHS, Certificate in Medical Editing and Certificate in Medical Journalism and Editing. These are two six months courses with two contact sessions of four days each. It is a joint project of Pakistan Association of Medical Editors (PAME) and UHS. We will start Diploma in Medical Journalism next year as arrangements are being finalized followed by Masters in Medical Journalism. I have already started internship training for postgraduates and junior faculty in my office. Will induct candidates next month. SAJ
National Health Policy of Pakistan
I read with interest the write up by Dr. HR Ahmad titled “National Health Policy in Pakistan” dedicated to a Scientist Cardiologist Dr. CW Vellani (late). He traced the history of (NHP) designed by Dr. Tariq Sohail, Advisor to then Prime Minister of Pakistan. He differentiated the health system in Public and Private Sector. He emphasized on Drugs Chain supply and its mal-distribution, importance of nutrition safety, potable water, tuberculosis, typhoid and several communicable diseases. He highlighted the challenge of drug addiction and cost of food items and its adulteration. He also referred to the mal-functioning of the Basic Health Units.
In fact, NHP is either not formulated after every five years or not continued for one reason or with the change of Government. All previous policies and spending is packed up and a new start is initiated leading to nowhere. Since, health has become a provincial subject, so no parity or uniformity in the provinces is maintained. There is an episodic approach to health issues which is detrimental.
The WHO recommended 6% of GDP to be spent in the South Asian Counties, whereas, in Pakistan, less than 1% is allocated compromising to meet the bare-minimum benchmarks. Since, there’s not much attention paid to primary and secondary healthcare delivery systems, thus all the spending is on tertiary or even Specialized Healthcare. So, the health care system in the public sector has deteriorated, whereas, in the private sector, it has flourished which is meant for the effluent and wealthy people. This is against the philosophy of the slogans of “Universal Health Coverage” and “Health for All”.
Maj. Gen. (R) Prof. M. Aslam
professormaslam@yahoo.com
